What you need to know about G6PD shortage

Late gospel musician, KODA

As Ghana mourns the loss of famous gospel musician KODA, details have emerged about the condition that allegedly led to his death.

KODA suffered from a condition called G6PD deficiency. Although it has not been determined that this was the cause of his death, the musician said in a video that went viral that he had been taking the wrong medication for eight months.

He narrated how he was given the wrong medication at an undisclosed hospital in Takoradi during an episode he was experiencing, highlighting how that incident changed him forever in terms of demanding answers to his health.

He said after being treated for two days and released from it in 2016: “I started developing some funny, funny symptoms here and there over time and I noticed something wasn’t right.

“So I remember one day I was bold enough to Google the medications I was being given and I noticed that a key element I was being asked for was a sulfur-based medication, and I immediately told myself that I had a medical condition which was called G6PD.

“I’m sure sulfur is one of the things I can’t take. Why do people want to kill me or something? Because I’ve been taking the medication for more than six, almost eight months,” he added.

So what is G6PD? Here you will find everything you need to know about it.

What is it?

As recorded by hopkinsmedicine.org, G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition in which the body lacks enough of an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). This enzyme is important because it helps red blood cells function properly.

A deficiency can cause ‘hemolytic anemia’, a condition in which red blood cells break down more quickly than normal, sometimes in response to certain medications, infections and other stresses.

This leads to a shortage of red blood cells in the body (anemia).

Causes and people at risk

Unfortunately, G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition. The gene is located on the X chromosome and is passed on from one generation to the next.

It is also more common in men and in people of African, Asian and Mediterranean descent, says healthdirect.gov.

Symptoms

In many cases, G6PD deficiency does not cause any problems.

According to healthline.com, problems often occur when triggers such as infections, stress, certain foods and some medications can cause damage to blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.

This in turn causes symptoms such as fever, yellowing of the skin, eyes and mouth (jaundice), weakness and extreme fatigue, dark urine and pain in the abdomen or back.

Therapy

Treatment will depend on the symptoms, age, general health and severity of the condition.

According to healthline.com, most people get better within a few days without treatment, but it’s important to avoid triggers to prevent more episodes.

The condition is diagnosed with a blood test and has no cure, but avoiding triggers and getting treatment for infections can help control the condition.

It is also important that people with G6PD deficiency tell their healthcare providers about their condition before taking any new medication.

ID/BB

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